George Russell wins P2 in Bahrain. [Credits: X/ Mercedes Formula 1]

Is George Russell Getting a New Contract with Mercedes?

George Russell is in the spotlight with new rumors about his contract with Mercedes.

George Russell wins P2 in Bahrain. [Credits: X/ Mercedes Formula 1]

George Russell is one of the emerging drivers of the 2025 season. Russell had joined Mercedes in 2022. The Briton was previously under the shadow of his seven-time world champion teammate, Lewis Hamilton. Russell had a few successful races in the previous years. However, his biggest obstacle was the issue Mercedes faced with the new Formula 1 regulations.

What a performance by George this weekend 👊 pic.twitter.com/cwzpoxUp5R
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) April 13, 2025

The start of the 2025 season has spelled a new story for George Russell. He is now the leading driver at Mercedes. Russell is also producing consistently good results every weekend. Russell has a fast car and he known it. The Bahrain GP was a proof of his maturity and driving technique. He is also a great example for his new teammate, Kimi Antonelli.

Russell has taken the anchor for Mercedes after Lewis Hamilton’s departure and he is doing a good job at it. There are many speculations about his career. He is among the only drivers of the grid who does not have a long-term contract. Toto Wolff had earlier tried to procure the services of Max Verstappen for his team. But, the recent developments for George Russell have made him a viable candidate for the Silver Arrows’ future.

The paddock is buzzing with information and rumors about George Russell. There is also a fresh rumor about his new contract with Mercedes.

Russell May Get a Contract Extension

George Russell’s contract with Mercedes is up for renewal. The market is quite stable for nearly every driver in the F1 paddock. Also, the results and multiple podiums finishes that Russell has brought for Mercedes have landed him in a better situation with the team. The Bahrain GP was a deciding factor in establishing Russell’s talents this year. The Briton raced for 24 laps on soft tyres, defending against Charles Leclerc and later, Lando Norris. He held on to second place throughout the race.

⭐️ Russell has impressed so far in #F1 2025, which could lead to a new Mercedes contract sooner than later.

Talks are under way ⬇️https://t.co/moFky9zuf1
— Motorsport.com (@Motorsport) April 14, 2025

At one point, Russell was facing issues with DRS, brake by wire and his steering wheel was facing issues. The situation was critical but he managed to bring the car home in second place. Autosport reports that Russell might get a contract extension of two years with Mercedes. They have further estimated that his salary with be almost $30 million a year in his new contract. This means, George Russell might have a confirmed contract with Mercedes until 2027 with an option for the 2028 F1 season.

The new regulation changes for 2026 might also prove beneficial for him. Mercedes power unit and design language can put him on the front row for a championship fight. But it seems like Russell is quite content with current contract.

George Russell Reacts to Contract Rumors

Ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Russell was enquired by the media about the recent rumors. Instead of providing a hopeful answer, Russell straight out refused these rumors. Then, he went on to explain that there is plenty of time for the upcoming season. He is looking forward to the options available to him. It’s clear that Russell understands his value as a driver and is confident about himself this season.

"If you perform, everything is good" 💨

George Russell responds to speculation surrounding his Mercedes future 📝#F1 #SaudiArabianGP https://t.co/aMWHUfghxF
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 17, 2025

“A few of them are reasonably close I guess, but at the end of the day we’ve never discussed a contract prior to May or June in a season. I would say the more abnormal point is how many drivers have these long-term deals but everyone has got exit clauses – they’ve all got performance clauses, so a driver who is on a three-year contract, doesn’t really mean anything if they’ve got an exit clause, or the team has an exit clause if the driver doesn’t perform. So, as I said, it doesn’t really mean a lot and if you’ve got a contract with a team but the team wants you gone, the team finds a way to get you gone.”

Russell chooses to believe in his performance rather than any rumors. And so far, his performance is up to the mark. The Briton has three podiums in four races and is keeping his Mercedes among the front runners.

Bahrain Grand Prix

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Formula 1 2025 Season

George Russell

Mercedes Formula 1 Team

Rohan Singh

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I work as a Writer at The Playoffs specialising in NHL, Formula 1 and Motorsports. I got into online journalism a couple of years ago. I used to be an intern for a website managing their Formula 1 content and then I served an entire year as a contractual writer.